Overview
The tonsils and adenoids help fight infection in early childhood. When they become repeatedly infected or very large, they can cause more harm than good, and removing them may be advised.
Symptoms
- Repeated episodes of tonsillitis
- Loud snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep
- Mouth breathing and a blocked nose
- Repeated ear infections or glue ear
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bad breath
Causes and risk factors
Problems are caused by repeated viral or bacterial infections, allergies or natural enlargement in young children.
Diagnosis
An ENT specialist examines the throat, nose and ears and may arrange hearing tests, an X-ray or a sleep study.
Treatment
Treatment includes medicines for infections and nasal sprays. Surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) or adenoids (adenoidectomy) may be advised for frequent infections or breathing problems during sleep.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your child snores loudly, stops breathing during sleep or has many throat or ear infections a year. After surgery, seek urgent care for any bleeding from the mouth.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
